Students Work

Dianne Souza

I was fortunate to have art classes as a child in Rhode Island. The wonder of oil painting had to be put aside until my later years. 3 years ago I found Kelly. She challenged me with my first painting, a portrait "Native Winds".

My second painting was a horse for my cousin Lily Kate. "Sacred Pools of Havasu" is my third. This combination of palette knife and small brush work is a three dimensional masterpiece. It shows different views of the same falls. This request from my aunt evolved from one waterfall to a three dimensional painting showing the same waterfall from different angles. My aunt said "It was more than she could have imagined and more than she expected to receive!”

I am presently working on a painting for my best friend Peggy. It is a springtime painting of Gibbs Gardens in Georgia where the daffodils grow wild and are in the millions.

After this one I want to paint an underwater mermaid world painting for my bathroom and other mystical paintings. There is so much I want to paint and not enough time to do it….. Kelly Arnold is an amazing teacher. She has a way of letting you work at your own pace yet knowing when to interject and share her skills and knowledge when you need help. I would recommend anyone that is looking for classes to try Kelly Arnold! - Dianne Souza

How did a 5 foot rooster come into the life of Larry Smithers?

- a hint - His name is Hugo...

Read all about this enormous and amazing commission by clicking here.

"Larry is hard working,
diligent and the best note
taker I've ever taught."
- Kelly Arnold

After only a few short years, Larry Smithers is winning awards and making his portrait clients very happy.
With encouragement from his wife, Larry has embarked on a journey to become an expert at portraits. His first medium of mastery is pencils, second paint and then ... well, who knows.... Here are a few of his works. To understand him better consider checking out the "Hugo" story by clicking on the left column.

Tessa with her award winning artwork.

"Tessa ... is currently creating at a skill level well within the college scene. Today her work intimidates many of those in the classroom with her. This includes adults who have actual degrees in art and have chosen to return to art classes signing up with me later in life."
- Kelly Arnold
(This is true for both sisters!)

Tessa Pray is an amazing young artist who has the world of animation and art ahead in her future.

"Buried in the Water" Best in Show in Indian River State College Digital Art Exhibit, and in Create for the Cure, also won Gold Key in Scholastic Art Awards.

Scholastic Art Awards Gold Key

“Running Out of Time”- oil painting

"Pug" won Gold Key in Scholastic and helped achieve acceptance into Ringling Precollege with a Scholarship

“I had the pleasure of teaching Tessa Pray at Ringling’s Pre-college program. During the course of this program, Tessa was an ideal student, her passion for art and work ethic helped her stand out from among her peers……..Tessa was not afraid to step outside her comfort zone and try out new techniques…….Tessa’s artwork was exceptional and she was awarded first place in the precollege Illustration program’s annual classroom competition.”

--Caleb Prochnow

Art Director of Vector Genius Inc.

Freelance Artist

Illustration Professor Ringling College of Art and Design

Mia on display with her beautiful artwork.

"Mia ... is currently creating at a skill level well within the college scene. Today her work intimidates many of those in the classroom with her. This includes adults who have actual degrees in art and have chosen to return to art classes signing up with me later in life."
- Kelly Arnold
(This is true for both sisters!)

Mia Pray is an amazing young artist
who has the world of animation and art
ahead in her future.

"Spirit Guide" - oil

"Poetry in Motion" - graphite

Scholastic Art Awards

“Golden Afternoon” won gold key.
“Mia-Self Portrait” won silver key.

"Over the course of four weeks I witnessed a student with an excellent work ethic and a natural artistic ability. . . I was duly impressed with her work and her growth during that short period of time." - Aaron Board
Instructor of Illustration and First Year Media Studies
Ringling College of Art and Design
____________________________________ "I wish all my students were as dedicated as Mia is. . . Mia is interested in a multitude of mediums and has become familiar with pivotal artists that have inspired her work. She sets her goals high, and is competent enough in her craft to achieve whatever goals she may set for herself."

- Eric Brock
Owner, Spare Brush Studios
Art Director, Feld Entertainment
Faculty, Illustration Dept., Ringling College of Art & Design

Doris O'Connor is a mover and a shaker in her art community and yours too!

At left, Doris proudly displays her latest painting. Below Sandhill Cove celebrates her great artwork for many months on the cover of their "Chronicle".

Below is a section of a letter I wrote to Sandhill Cove honoring Doris November 13, 2013. They were kind enough to publish the full letter in their newsletter "The Chronicle".

...I just want to take a minute and express how lucky we all are to have Doris O’Connor promoting the arts. It is more than obvious, with her decision after a few years of classes herself, what she has decided to do for Sandhill Cove residents has developed into art growth in the community. We are all so lucky!

She pushed to bring classes into Sandhill Cove for her friends and neighbors to enjoy. She has made sure that there is the 5 students minimum needed to make it cost effective to teach there. She began the process of having a show for the residents during that first session of classes. It was planned and occurred a month ago. Her development of interest about art at Sandhill Cove has been constant. This, and she plays fairy god-mother to the class by being there early to setup. She makes sure all students have what they need. She comes back to put away and clean up. All of this voluntarily and still attends her regular class off campus for herself.

This developed interest in art has not been lost on your staff. Knowing the value of art as they introduce new occupants to Sandhill Cove and planning the first ever, public art exhibit at Sandhill Cove this past week....Your best friend in Art, Kelly Arnold

Doris lives in Sandhill Cove Retirement Living; a waterfront, independent living community. More information can be found on their website https://SandhillCove.com

Susan's work and more
information about her
can be seen on her website:

www.TurtleLady.com

Susan is an artist to watch. She has created amazing artwork in both oils and watercolors. Her work covers nautical to cowboys and more. She is a great success, selling in the US and the Bahamas. Her daughter is attending A&M and son is in Spain with Florida State University. Now she and her husband can traveling more and she can paint more. We look forward to seeing what she does next.
At left we are exhibiting together in The Port St. Lucie Civic Center Art Gallery (and supporting the Lagoon) with Cheryl Ferrari.
"Kelly has a unique gift with her combination of artistic talent, technical skills and experience to connect with people of all ages. She brings out in them their own unique abilities, allowing them to be challenged, yet not overwhelmed, no matter the subject, medium or their own skill level. She is the ultimate teacher." Susan Roberts

Art Hesford	Maryann Cupo	Phyllis Charles	Arrian "Jonathan" Acevedo II	Sarah B

Marie Ferrandino	Doris Bedell	Mika Fowler	Ryan Barbera	Michael Barbera

Larry Lavargna	Janelle Gearing	Mona Leonard	Sarah Rocheleau	Carol Merritt

with many more to come . . .